Alaska Airlines Allows One-Time Change on Emirates Awards
Last week, Alaska Airlines suddenly raised award redemption prices for Emirates flights booked through its Mileage Plan program. The airline offered no notice but did provide a Q&A with additional information behind the change — including the chance to get a refund on purchased miles.
Here's a look at the changes to first-class awards, effective March 30, 2016:
| North America To: | Old One-Way Award | New One-Way Award | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
Middle East/India | 90,000 | 150,000 | 67% |
Europe | 100,000 | 180,000 | 80% |
Asia | 100,000 | 180,000 | 80% |
Africa | 100,000 | 200,000 | 100% |
Alaska Airlines later amended its FAQ, announcing that Mileage Plan members will be allowed a one-time change for Emirates award tickets that were booked prior to the change. To make the change, Alaska says to contact its customer care team. Typically, you'd have to pay Alaska's $125 change fee (if your change or cancellation is made within 60 days of travel), but applicable passengers can have this fee waived. All changes thereafter will be ticketed at the new award level.
H/T: Travel Codex
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